Evolutionary origins of the placental expression of chromosome 19 cluster galectins and their complex dysregulation in preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION

The dysregulation of maternal-fetal immune tolerance is one of the proposed mechanisms leading to preeclampsia. Galectins are key regulator proteins of the immune response in vertebrates and maternal-fetal immune tolerance in eutherian mammals. Previously we found that three genes in a Chr19 cluster encoding for human placental galectin-13 (PP13), galectin-14 and galectin-16 emerged during primate evolution and may confer immune tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study involved various methodologies for gene and protein expression profiling, genomic DNA methylation analyses, functional assays on differentiating trophoblasts including gene silencing, luciferase reporter and methylation assays. These methods were applied on placental specimens, umbilical cord blood cells, primary trophoblasts and BeWo cells. Genomic DNA sequences were analyzed for transposable elements, transcription factor binding sites and evolutionary conservation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The villous trophoblastic expression of Chr19 cluster galectin genes is developmentally regulated by DNA methylation and induced by key transcription factors of villous placental development during trophoblast fusion and differentiation. This latter mechanism arose via the co-option of binding sites for these transcription factors through promoter evolution and the insertion of an anthropoid-specific L1PREC2 transposable element into the 5' untranslated region of an ancestral gene followed by gene duplication events. Among placental Chr19 cluster galectin genes, the expression of LGALS13 and LGALS14 is down-regulated in preterm severe preeclampsia associated with SGA. We reveal that this phenomenon is partly originated from the dysregulated expression of key transcription factors controlling trophoblastic functions and galectin gene expression. In addition, the differential DNA methylation of these genes was also observed in preterm preeclampsia irrespective of SGA.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the evolutionary origins of the placental expression of Chr19 cluster galectins. The complex dysregulation of these genes in preeclampsia may alter immune tolerance mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface.

Interpreting genetic effects through models of cardiac electromechanics

Multiscale models of cardiac electromechanics are being increasingly focused on understanding how genetic variation and environment underpin multiple disease states. In this paper we review the current state of the art in both the development of specific models and the physiological insights they have produced. This growing research body includes the development of models for capturing the effects of changes in function in both single and multiple proteins in both specific expression systems and in vivo contexts. Finally, the potential for using this approach for ultimately predicting phenotypes from genetic sequence information is discussed.

A Bayesian Shrinkage Model for Incomplete Longitudinal Binary Data with Application to the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial

We consider inference in randomized longitudinal studies with missing data that is generated by skipped clinic visits and loss to follow-up. In this setting, it is well known that full data estimands are not identified unless unverified assumptions are imposed. We assume a non-future dependence model for the drop-out mechanism and partial ignorability for the intermittent missingness. We posit an exponential tilt model that links non-identifiable distributions and distributions identified under partial ignorability. This exponential tilt model is indexed by non-identified parameters, which are assumed to have an informative prior distribution, elicited from subject-matter experts. Under this model, full data estimands are shown to be expressed as functionals of the distribution of the observed data. To avoid the curse of dimensionality, we model the distribution of the observed data using a Bayesian shrinkage model. In a simulation study, we compare our approach to a fully parametric and a fully saturated model for the distribution of the observed data. Our methodology is motivated by, and applied to, data from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial.

Routine preventive care and cancer surveillance in long-term survivors (LTS) of colorectal cancer: Results from NSABP Protocol LTS-01

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Background: Little is known about the use of routine preventive care and cancer surveillance in long-term colorectal cancer survivors. NSABP LTS-01 is a study that examines the use of such services in long-term colorectal cancer survivors previously treated in NSABP adjuvant trials. Methods: Long-term colorectal cancer survivors (≥ 5 years) were recruited from five completed NSABP treatment trials (Protocols C-05, C-06, C-07, R-02, R-03) at 65 study sites. A survey battery for long-term survivors of colorectal cancer (LTS-01) was developed. A 1:4 comparison cohort case-matched by age, gender, race, and education was created from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey. Contingency tables and multivariate models were used to compare cohorts and determine predictors of preventive care and cancer surveillance. Results: 649 LTS-01 patients (625 colon, 24 rectal) completed the interview; 57% male, mean age 66.1yr (SD 10.5), median survival 8 yrs. LTS-01 patients were more likely to have a usual source of healthcare than the NHIS cohort (98% vs. 93%, p < 0.0001). The number of ER visits in the previous 12 months was not significantly different between the two groups. LTS-01 patients were more likely to have received a flu shot in the past 12 months (68% vs. 42%, p < 0.0001) and were also more likely to have undergone cancer screening by Pap smear (67% vs. 54%, p < 0.001), mammogram (85% vs. 71%, p < 0.001), and PSA test (84% vs. 75%, p < 0.001). For CRC surveillance, 3% did not have a colonoscopy, 13% had not had a CEA test, and 34% did not have a CT scan in the last 5 years. The best predictor of the receipt of these cancer screening tests was the presence of health insurance (OR 2.6–4.5). No factor was uniformly associated with colorectal cancer surveillance. Conclusions: Long-term survivors of colorectal cancer achieve better routine preventive care including cancer screening than the general population. However in these stage II and stage III cancer patients cancer surveillance is variably performed.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Long-term outcomes after invasive breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) in women with DCIS in NSABP B-17 and B-24

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Background: DCIS patients treated with lumpectomy have a very favorable outcome but are at risk for IBTR. Local control is improved by radiotherapy (RT) and adjuvant tamoxifen (TAM). Local failures, specifically invasive IBTRs (I-IBTR), may impact on long-term outcome. We present long-term outcome results from a cohort of DCIS patients from two NSABP randomized trials. Patients and Methods: A total of 2,615 women with primary DCIS from NSABP B-17 and B-24 (randomized from 1985 to 1994) were included. Median follow-up was > 12 yrs. In B-17 treatment was lumpectomy (LO, 403) or lumpectomy with whole breast irradiation (LRT, 410). In B-24 patients received LRT (901) or LRT plus TAM [901]. Hazard ratio and cumulative incidence of IBTR were examined by treatment. Mortality hazard was evaluated in relation to prior IBTR. Results: IBTR was a first failure in 465 patients (243 invasive, 222 noninvasive). The 12 year cumulative incidence of all IBTRs was 32.9% for LO, 15.8% LRT, and 12.5% LRT+TAM. RT significantly reduced I-IBTR (LRT/LO hazard ratio (HR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.26 to 0.59). TAM conferred additional benefit on I-IBTR (LRT+TAM/LRT HR=0.68; 95% CI= 0.48 to 0.97). Overall mortality was low. Women with I-IBTR had a two-fold greater mortality risk relative to those without I-IBTR (HR=2.08; 95% CI = 1.46 to 2.98). The effect was greater for LRT patients (HR=3.04; 95% CI= 1.92 to 4.84) than for LO patients (HR=1.17; 95% CI = 0.57 to 2.39). For LRT+TAM patients, the effect was similar to that for LRT patients HR=1.91; 95% CI= 0.76 to 4.78). Conclusions: As in cases of I- IBTR after an invasive index tumor, the occurrence of an I-IBTR with a DCIS index tumor, particularly after RT, confers increased risk for subsequent mortality.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The response of IFNAR2 to high-dose IFNα2b during a neoadjuvant clinical trial

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Background: The appropriate subgroup of melanoma patients to select for high-dose IFNa2b (HDI) adjuvant therapy has been undefined since approval of this modality in 1996. A biomarker appropriate for clinical practice and relevant to the biological effects of this agent would be of great importance. IFNAR2 is required for type I IFN-dependent signaling. Therefore, the response of IFNAR2 during HDI was evaluated during a prospective neoadjuvant clinical trial of HDI. Methods: Following diagnostic biopsy and before definitive surgery, HDI was administered as a neoadjuvant therapy for patients with stage IIIB melanoma, in the context of an IRB-approved protocol UPCI 00- 008, separately reported. Immunohistochemical analysis of IFNAR2 was performed on fixed paired biopsies of 8 patients. Paired-sample permutation tests and two-sample permutation tests were used to evaluate the findings of this study. Mean values of the percentage of IFNAR2 positive cells are presented with standard errors (SE). Results: HDI down-regulates IFNAR2 in both responders and non- responders, from 86.875 ± 5.82 (pre-treatment) to 34.375 ± 9.919 (post-treatment), p = 0.0145. However, the decrease in IFNAR2 differs between responders (25.0 ± 12.583) and non-responders (69.0 ± 3.588), p = 0.021. Conclusions: HDI down-regulates IFNAR2 expression, and may provide a biomarker relevant to HDI benefit, given differences between patients with and without response to neoadjuvant therapy. A larger clinical trial is needed to evaluate these pilot data.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of short course CHOP-rituximab (R) followed by ibritumomab tiuxetan (IT) as first-line treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL)

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Background: Therapy with CHOP-R and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a promising treatment for untreated FL. Press reports complete responses (CR) of 69% in FL patients (pts.) with 6 cycles of CHOP followed by I-131 tositumomab. We report efficacy and safety using 3 cycles of CHOP-R followed by IT and extended R. Methods: Eligibility criteria include symptomatic or grade 3 untreated FL. 60 pts. have been accrued and 47 evaluated. The treatment consists of two phases: CHOP-R for 3 cycles followed by IT. One week after IT, pts receive R weekly × 4. Bone marrow (BM) biopsies and fusion PET-CT scans are obtained at baseline, after CHOP-R, and 12 weeks post RIT. The primary endpoint is CR rate. CR requires a neg. PET scan and conventional Working Group criteria. Results: Toxicity data are available for 47 pts of median age 56 (range, 39–78), 44 of whom completed both phases of therapy and are evaluated for response. Characteristics and CR rates after IT are shown: 3 pts. did not receive RIT (1 second malignancy, 1 non-compliance, 1 septic death). Of the 44, CR after CHOP-R is 41%. After IT, CR improved to 89%. Of the 5 pts who did not achieve CR, 3 had neg. PET scans (2 with PR, 1 with SD by CT), and 2 had residual disease by PET with PR by CT. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6–33 months), there are 4 relapses: 3 who achieved CR by PET-CT, 1 with PR by PET-CT. Toxicity was predominantly myelosuppression. There was 1 episode of febrile neutropenia after RIT. Conclusions: 3 cycles of CHOP-R followed by IT and R achieve a high CR in previously-untreated pts. with FL. Addition of RIT increased CR from 41% to 89%. Data will be presented on the affect of bulky disease, positive BM, grade 2 or 3 histology, and high FLIPI score on CR. Further follow-up is necessary to evaluate response duration and determine whether there is a correlation with early or late CR.

[Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Differential effects of Th1, monocyte/macrophage and Th2 cytokine mixtures on early gene expression for immune-related molecules by central nervous system mixed glial cell cultures

Cytokines secreted within the central nervous system (CNS) are important in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The balance between Th1, monocyte/macrophage (M/M) and Th2 cytokines in the CNS may be pivotal in determining the outcome of lesion development. We examined the effects of mixtures of cytokines on gene expression by CNS glial cells, as mixtures of cytokines are present in MS lesions, which in turn contain mixtures of glial cells. In this initial analysis by gene array, we examined changes at 6 hours to identify early changes in gene expression that represent primary responses to the cytokines. Rat glial cells were incubated with mixtures of Th1, M/M and Th2 cytokines for 6 hours and examined for changes in early gene expression employing microarray gene chip technology. A minimum of 814 genes were differentially regulated by one or more of the cytokine mixtures in comparison to controls, including changes in expression in a large number of genes for immune system-related proteins. Expression of the proteins for these genes likely influences development and inhibition of MS lesions as well as protective and regenerative processes. Analysing gene expression for the effects of various combinations of exogenous cytokines on glial cells in the absence of the confounding effects of inflammatory cells themselves should increase our understanding of cytokine-induced pathways in the CNS.

Imaging results after CHOP-rituximab followed by 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and rituximab (R) in patients with previously-untreated follicular lymphoma (FL)

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Background: There has been some question regarding the predictive value of 111In scans in FL. We report imaging results with fusion PET-CT scans and 111In scans in a single-institution, non-randomized, phase II trial in patients with FL treated with CHOP-R followed by 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin (Z)) and R. Methods: Eligible patients have CD20 positive FL, Grade 1–3 or transformed, Stage II-IV, no prior treatment with monoclonal antibody or chemotherapy, and symptomatic disease (if grade 1–2). CHOP-R is given every 21 days for 3 cycles. Four weeks after the last dose of CHOP-R, patients receive the Zevalin regimen, which includes 111In imaging and 90Y therapy. One week after Z, patients receive R 375 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 doses. Bone marrow examination and fusion PET-CT scans are performed at baseline, after CHOP-R, and 12 weeks after Z. The primary endpoint is CR, and responses are reported using the International Working Group (IWG) criteria with the additional requirement of a negative PET scan for CR/CRu. Results: Thirty-six FL patients have been accrued, and 16 patients have completed therapy and follow-up studies. One patient did not have a positive PET scan at baseline. Following therapy, the proportion with a negative PET scan improved from 8 of 15 (53.3%) after CHOP-R to 15 of 15 (100%) after Z. Using IWG criteria in combination with PET scan results, the CR rate increased from 4 of 15 (26.7%) after CHOP-R to 12 of 15 (80%) after Z. Five of 6 patients (83%) with tumor uptake by 111In scan and 7 of 9 (78%) with a 111In scan negative for tumor achieved a CR. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in CR between those patients with 111In tumor uptake versus patients with a negative 111In scan. Functional imaging with PET-CT may be a more sensitive method than CT alone in determining residual disease in FL. This trial continues to accrue patients, and more time is needed to determine the duration of response and time to next therapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Early results of modified fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (mFCR) for patients with previously untreated advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

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Background: Recent data reporting results of FCR therapy in previously untreated advanced CLL patients (F-25 mg/m2 d1–3 q 4wk; C-250 mg/m2 d 1–3 q 4wk; R-500 mg/m2 d1 q 4wk for 6 cycles) demonstrated complete remission (CR) of 70% and overall response (OR) of 95% (J Clin Oncol 2005;23:4079). The major toxicity was grade 3/4 neutropenia during 52% of courses. One approach to decrease neutropenia without compromising efficacy could be by reducing the doses of F and C and increasing the dose of R as high-dose R has been reported to be more efficacious in CLL. Methods: We conducted a phase II study for previously untreated advanced CLL patients treated with mFCR (F-20mg/m2 d1–3 q 4 wk; C-150 mg/m2 d1–3 q 4 wk; R-500mg/m2 d1 and d14 q 4wks; maintenance R-500 mg/m2 q 3 months until progression). A Simon two-stage design was used where 15 patients were accrued in the first stage and because of acceptable toxicity and response rate in stage I an additional 35 patients will be treated. The primary endpoint was response rate. Results: Twenty patients (13 male, 7 female), age 36–85 years (median 59) were treated with a total of 105 mFCR courses. All 20 patients were evaluable for toxicity. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred during 11(10.5%) courses. There were no episodes of neutropenic fever. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia occurred during 4 (3.8%) courses. Two patients are currently on study and not evaluable for response and among the 18 evaluable patients, the CR was 68%, PR was 32% with an OR of 100%. Eleven of the 12 CR patients had no evidence of CD5+/CD19+ coexpressing cells in their bone marrow after therapy and one had <1%; all 12 were NED by CT scan. Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest mFCR is highly effective with considerably less grade 3/4 neutropenia than standard FCR. Complete responders had minimal residual disease in their bone marrow following mFCR.

[Table: see text]

TRANSFAC and its module TRANSCompel: transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotes

The TRANSFAC database on transcription factors, their binding sites, nucleotide distribution matrices and regulated genes as well as the complementing database TRANSCompel on composite elements have been further enhanced on various levels. A new web interface with different search options and integrated versions of Match and Patch provides increased functionality for TRANSFAC. The list of databases which are linked to the common GENE table of TRANSFAC and TRANSCompel has been extended by: Ensembl, UniGene, EntrezGene, HumanPSD and TRANSPRO. Standard gene names from HGNC, MGI and RGD, are included for human, mouse and rat genes, respectively. With the help of InterProScan, Pfam, SMART and PROSITE domains are assigned automatically to the protein sequences of the transcription factors. TRANSCompel contains now, in addition to the COMPEL table, a separate table for detailed information on the experimental EVIDENCE on which the composite elements are based. Finally, for TRANSFAC, in respect of data growth, in particular the gain of Drosophila transcription factor binding sites (by courtesy of the Drosophila DNase I footprint database) and of Arabidopsis factors (by courtesy of DATF, Database of Arabidopsis Transcription Factors) has to be stressed. The here described public releases, TRANSFAC 7.0 and TRANSCompel 7.0, are accessible under http://www.gene-regulation.com/pub/databases.html.

Quality assessment program for genotypic antiretroviral testing improves detection of drug resistance mutations

Genotypic antiretroviral testing is now widely used for the management of patients who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus infection. The assays are complex, and there is considerable potential for variation between laboratories. Informative and ongoing quality assessment programs (QAPs) which address all aspects of testing are required. The panel distribution of clinical material is a critical component of QAPs. We report on the results and data from a recent panel. Four cryopreserved plasma samples from treated donors were distributed to nine laboratories. Three laboratories performed testing by commercial assays, and six laboratories used in-house assays, with one laboratory reporting results from two in-house assays. There was complete concordance between results for 95.9% of the nucleotide sequence and 94.5% of the amino acid sequence. Despite this overall high level of concordance, the degree of concordance at drug resistance mutation (DRM) sites when DRMs were present was considerably less (38% of DRM sites). Consequently, only 3 of the 10 methods reported 100% of DRMs as present. This elevated discrepancy rate is almost certainly a result of variability in the identification of mixtures of nucleotides (mixtures) at any site within the sequence. In addition, laboratories differed in the number of codons in the reverse transcriptase gene that were sequenced and their ability to amplify all samples. This panel distribution demonstrated a requirement for laboratory participation in ongoing QAPs and the optimization of assays with standards that contain mixtures.

TRANSFAC: transcriptional regulation, from patterns to profiles

The TRANSFAC database on eukaryotic transcriptional regulation, comprising data on transcription factors, their target genes and regulatory binding sites, has been extended and further developed, both in number of entries and in the scope and structure of the collected data. Structured fields for expression patterns have been introduced for transcription factors from human and mouse, using the CYTOMER database on anatomical structures and developmental stages. The functionality of Match, a tool for matrix-based search of transcription factor binding sites, has been enhanced. For instance, the program now comes along with a number of tissue-(or state-)specific profiles and new profiles can be created and modified with Match Profiler. The GENE table was extended and gained in importance, containing amongst others links to LocusLink, RefSeq and OMIM now. Further, (direct) links between factor and target gene on one hand and between gene and encoded factor on the other hand were introduced. The TRANSFAC public release is available at http://www.gene-regulation.com. For yeast an additional release including the latest data was made available separately as TRANSFAC Saccharomyces Module (TSM) at http://transfac.gbf.de. For CYTOMER free download versions are available at http://www.biobase.de:8080/index.html.

Sleep and treatment response in depression: new findings using power spectral analysis

This study examined quantitative measures of sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) and phasic rapid eye movements (REM) as correlates of remission and recovery in depressed patients. To address correlates of remission, pre-treatment EEG sleep studies were examined in 130 women outpatients with major depressive disorder treated with interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). To address correlates of recovery, baseline and post-treatment EEG sleep studies were examined in 23 women who recovered with IPT alone and 23 women who recovered with IPT+fluoxetine. Outcomes included EEG power spectra during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and REM sleep and quantitative REMs. IPT non-remitters had increased phasic REM compared with remitters, but no significant differences in EEG power spectra. IPT+fluoxetine recoverers, but not IPT recoverers, showed increases in phasic REM and REM percentage from baseline to recovery. In NREM sleep, the IPT+fluoxetine group showed a decrease in alpha power from baseline to recovery, while the IPT group showed a slight increase. The number of REMs was a more robust correlate of remission and recovery than modeled quantitative EEG spectra during NREM or REM sleep. Quantitative REMs may provide a more direct measure of brainstem function and dysfunction during REM sleep than quantitative sleep EEG measures.

Prevention of invasive breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ: an update of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project experience

The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) conducted two sequential randomized clinical trials to aid in resolving uncertainty about the treatment of women with small, localized, mammographically detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). After removal of the tumor and normal breast tissue so that specimen margins were histologically tumor-free (lumpectomy), 818 patients in the B-17 trial were randomly assigned to receive either radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast or no radiation therapy. B-24, the second study, which involved 1,804 women, tested the hypothesis that, in DCIS patients with or without positive tumor specimen margins, lumpectomy, radiation, and tamoxifen (TAM) would be more effective than lumpectomy, radiation, and placebo in preventing invasive and noninvasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences (IBTRs), contralateral breast tumors (CBTs), and tumors at metastatic sites. The findings in this report continue to demonstrate through 12 years of follow-up that radiation after lumpectomy reduces the incidence rate of all IBTRs by 58%. They also demonstrate that the administration of TAM after lumpectomy and radiation therapy results in a significant decrease in the rate of all breast cancer events, particularly in invasive cancer. The findings from the B-17 and B-24 studies are related to those from the NSABP prevention (P-1) trial, which demonstrated a 50% reduction in the risk of invasive cancer in women with a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and a reduction in the incidence of both DCIS and LCIS in women without a history of those tumors. The B-17 findings demonstrated that patients treated with lumpectomy alone were at greater risk for invasive cancer than were women in P-1 who had a history of ADH or LCIS and who received no radiation therapy or TAM. Although women who received radiation benefited from that therapy, they remained at higher risk for invasive cancer than women in P-1 who had a history of LCIS and who received placebo or TAM. Thus, if it is accepted from the P-1 findings that women at increased risk for invasive cancer are candidates for an intervention such as TAM, then it would seem that women with a history of DCIS should also be considered for such therapy in addition to radiation therapy. That statement does not imply that, as a result of the findings presented here, all DCIS patients should receive radiation and TAM. It does suggest, however, that, in the treatment of DCIS, the appropriate use of current and better therapeutic agents that become available could diminish the significance of breast cancer as a public health problem.

Prevention of invasive breast cancer in women with ductal carcinoma in situ: an update of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project experience

The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) conducted two sequential randomized clinical trials to aid in resolving uncertainty about the treatment of women with small, localized, mammographically detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). After removal of the tumor and normal breast tissue so that specimen margins were histologically tumor-free (lumpectomy), 818 patients in the B-17 trial were randomly assigned to receive either radiation therapy to the ipsilateral breast or no radiation therapy. B-24, the second study, which involved 1,804 women, tested the hypothesis that, in DCIS patients with or without positive tumor specimen margins, lumpectomy, radiation, and tamoxifen (TAM) would be more effective than lumpectomy, radiation, and placebo in preventing invasive and noninvasive ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences (IBTRs), contralateral breast tumors (CBTs), and tumors at metastatic sites. The findings in this report continue to demonstrate through 12 years of follow-up that radiation after lumpectomy reduces the incidence rate of all IBTRs by 58%. They also demonstrate that the administration of TAM after lumpectomy and radiation therapy results in a significant decrease in the rate of all breast cancer events, particularly in invasive cancer. The findings from the B-17 and B-24 studies are related to those from the NSABP prevention (P-1) trial, which demonstrated a 50% reduction in the risk of invasive cancer in women with a history of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and a reduction in the incidence of both DCIS and LCIS in women without a history of those tumors. The B-17 findings demonstrated that patients treated with lumpectomy alone were at greater risk for invasive cancer than were women in P-1 who had a history of ADH or LCIS and who received no radiation therapy or TAM. Although women who received radiation benefited from that therapy, they remained at higher risk for invasive cancer than women in P-1 who had a history of LCIS and who received placebo or TAM. Thus, if it is accepted from the P-1 findings that women at increased risk for invasive cancer are candidates for an intervention such as TAM, then it would seem that women with a history of DCIS should also be considered for such therapy in addition to radiation therapy. That statement does not imply that, as a result of the findings presented here, all DCIS patients should receive radiation and TAM. It does suggest, however, that, in the treatment of DCIS, the appropriate use of current and better therapeutic agents that become available could diminish the significance of breast cancer as a public health problem.

The effects of age and gender on sleep EEG power spectral density in the middle years of life (ages 20-60 years old)

The effects of age and gender on sleep EEG power spectral density were assessed in a group of 100 subjects aged 20 to 60 years. We propose a new statistical strategy (mixed-model using fixed-knot regression splines) to analyze quantitative EEG measures. The effect of gender varied according to frequency, but no interactions emerged between age and gender, suggesting that the aging process does not differentially influence men and women. Women had higher power density than men in delta, theta, low alpha, and high spindle frequency range. The effect of age varied according to frequency and across the night. The decrease in power with age was not restricted to slow-wave activity, but also included theta and sigma activity. With increasing age, the attenuation over the night in power density between 1.25 and 8.00 Hz diminished, and the rise in power between 12.25 and 14.00 Hz across the night decreased. Increasing age was associated with higher power in the beta range. These results suggest that increasing age may be related to an attenuation of homeostatic sleep pressure and to an increase in cortical activation during sleep.

A phase I/II study of hypofractionated whole abdominal radiation therapy in patients with chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma: Karnofsky score determines treatment outcome

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy can provide useful palliation in chemorefractory ovarian cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to prospectively study the palliative effect of a hypofractionated radiation treatment regimen. Change in quality-of-life scores (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy [FACT], Karnofsky scale), pain score, and tolerance to therapy were also assessed.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A single-institution Phase I/II trial was initiated in patients with chemoresistant recurrent or progressive ovarian cancer. All patients had symptomatic and measurable intra-abdominal disease. Patients were treated with a single radiation fraction (700 cGy) or two fractions (300 cGy twice a day) to the whole abdomen over 1 day. Quality-of-life scale (FACT G version 2) was assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 months following treatment. Karnofsky scale and pain score were also evaluated in the same time frame.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were prospectively entered into this protocol between February 1996 and September 1998. Twelve patients received a single 700 cGy fraction and four 300 cGy twice a day. All were heavily pretreated and 9 (56%) had a poor performance status prior to treatment. Symptoms needing palliation included pain (14), ascites (10), and bleeding (2). Symptomatic improvement occurred in all patients with pain (5 complete response [CR] and 7 partial response [PR], all patients with bleeding (CR 2), and two (20%) with ascites. Five patients (31%) had a reduction in lesion size documented radiologically in three. The mean duration of response was 22 weeks in patients with a Karnofsky score >70. Thirteen patients developed transient nausea and vomiting which resolved in 48 hours in all. All patients developed a transient lymphopenia. Thirteen patients completed a follow-up quality-of-life scale. There was an improvement in the physical and functional components of the scale in patients with Karnofsky score of 90-100. There was no improvement in quality of life in patients with Karnofsky score <90 despite symptomatic response. Median survival was 3 months from the date of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Hypofractionated radiation therapy is an effective palliative treatment for end-stage ovarian cancer patients. Karnofsky score can help determine the duration of response and survival for this high-risk population.

A recombinant avipoxvirus HIV-1 vaccine expressing interferon-gamma is safe and immunogenic in macaques

Complex recombinant fowlpoxvirus (rFPV) vaccines expressing both HIV-1 antigens and type 1 cytokines could facilitate the induction of cellular immunity against HIV-1. A single rFPV expressing both HIV-1gag/pol and human interferon-gamma (FPVgag/pol-IFNgamma) was constructed and assessed as a therapeutic vaccine for safety and immunogenicity in macaques (Macaca nemestrina) previously infected with HIV-1. FPV gag/pol-IFNgamma vaccinations were safe and enhanced T cell proliferative responses to Gag antigens (but not control tetanus antigens). Enhanced CTL responses to gag/pol antigens were also observed following IFNgamma expressing vaccinations. Since cellular immunity may be critical to controlling or preventing HIV-1 infection, these observations suggest that avipox vectors co-expressing IFNgamma should be further evaluated as therapeutic or preventive HIV-1 vaccines.

Use of isolated digestive-gland cells in the study of biochemical and physiological processes in gastropod molluscs

We describe a method for preparation and maintenance of isolated digestive-gland cells in the abalone, Haliotis kamtschatkana. Viability of the isolated cells was confirmed by the fact that 18 h after preparation the cells exhibited less than 5% staining with trypan blue and actively synthesized glycogen following the addition of glucose substrate. Use of the method in a 15-month study of metabolic activity of the digestive gland of H. kamtschatkana showed significant differences in oxygen consumption of isolated-cell preparations correlated with seasonal differences in somatic and gametogenetic growth, and with relative size of the digestive gland.

Scaling effects on hypoxia tolerance in the Amazon fish Astronotus ocellatus (Perciformes: Cichlidae): contribution of tissue enzyme levels

Astronotus ocellatus is one of the most hypoxia tolerant fish of the Amazon; adult animals can tolerate up to 6 h of anoxia at 28 degrees C. Changes in energy metabolism during growth have been reported in many fish species and may reflect the way organisms deal with environmental constraints. We have analyzed enzyme levels (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH: EC 1.1.1.27; and malate dehydrogenase, MDH: EC 1.1.1.37) in four different tissues (white muscle, heart, liver, and brain) from different-sized animals. Both enzymes correlate with body size, increasing the anaerobic potential positively with growth. To our knowledge, this is the first description of scaling effects on hypoxia tolerance and it is interesting to explore the fact that hypoxia survivorship increases due to combining effects of suppressing metabolic rates and increasing anaerobic power as fish grow.

An evaluation of WHA resolution 45.5: health human resource implications

The World Health Assembly approved resolution WHA45.5 in 1992. This paper reports the findings of an evaluation of the implementation of this resolution using a survey technique. A total of 150 WHO Member States responded, for a 79% response rate. Findings suggest that the greatest strides worldwide have been made in education. While the data show that progress has been made at the country level, far more action is needed to strengthen nursing and midwifery if these cost-effective resources are to play a decisive role in improving the extent and quality of services, especially as delivered to people in the greatest need.

Latent structure of EEG sleep variables in depressed and control subjects: descriptions and clinical correlates

In this study, we aimed to determine the latent structure of multiple EEG sleep variables in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and in healthy control subjects and to examine associations between sleep factors and clinical variables. Subjects included 109 women with MDD and 54 healthy control women. EEG sleep data were collected prior to any treatment. Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted on a set of 24 sleep variables. Separate PCAs were run for patients with MDD, control subjects, and a matched group of patients and controls. Other analyses included correlations, t-tests and MANOVA. Each PCA identified four sleep factors that explained 70% of the total variance in individual sleep variables: slow wave sleep, REM sleep, sleep continuity and REM latency/delta sleep ratio (RL/DSR). Patients with MDD and healthy controls differed on the mean value of the sleep continuity factor, and a multivariate analysis of variance based on the PCA identified MDD-control differences in REM sleep and sleep continuity. In the MDD group, slow wave sleep correlated inversely with age and personality disorder symptoms; sleep continuity correlated with subjective sleep quality and anxiety; and RL/DSR correlated inversely with age. The mean value of the REM factor was higher among treatment non-responders than responders. EEG sleep variables have a similar latent structure in women with MDD and in healthy controls. These sleep factors are supported conceptually and empirically, and correlate with clinical measures in women with MDD. Multivariate statistical techniques decrease the risk of Type I and Type II errors when using a large number of collinear sleep measures, and can clarify conceptual issues related to sleep and depression.

Stability of human immunodeficiency virus RNA in blood specimens as measured by a commercial PCR-based assay

We investigated the effects of conditions often encountered during handling, transit, and storage of blood specimens on the quantity of detectable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA in plasma. HIV RNA copy numbers were measured with a commercially available assay (the Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor test kit). Variables examined were the time to processing of blood and plasma, the holding temperature of blood and plasma prior to processing, the effect of freezing and thawing of plasma, and the use of different anticoagulants. The relationship between the HIV RNA copy number and the HIV isolation rate by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) coculture was also examined. We found that RNA copy numbers were maintained to within 0.5 log10 (approximately threefold) in blood and plasma samples held at room temperature or 4 degrees C for up to 3 days and remained stable despite (limited) freezing and thawing of the plasma. HIV RNA copy numbers were also maintained after long-term storage of plasma at -70 degrees C. The ability to isolate HIV from PBMCs was directly proportional to the HIV RNA copy number.

An in vivo mutation from leucine to tryptophan at position 210 in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase contributes to high-level resistance to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine

Sequencing of the reverse transcriptase (RT) region of 26 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates from eight patients treated with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) revealed a mutation at codon 210 from TTG (leucine) to TGG (tryptophan) exclusively in association with resistance to AZT. The mutation Trp-210 was observed in 15 of the 20 isolates phenotypically resistant to AZT, being more commonly observed than resistance-associated mutations at codons 67, 70, and 219. Trp-210 was never observed before the emergence of resistance-associated mutations Leu-41 and Tyr-215, and in a sequential series of five isolates from one patient the order of emergence of mutations was found to be Tyr-215, Leu-41, and then Trp-210. Trp-210 was also found in association with the Leu-41, Asn-67, Arg-70, and Tyr-215 resistance genotype. To define the role of Trp-210 in AZT resistance, molecular HIV-1 clones were constructed with various combinations of RT mutations at codons 41, 67, 70, 210, and 215 and tested for susceptibility to AZT. In clones with polymerase genes derived either from HXB2-D or clinical isolates, Trp-210 alone did not increase AZT resistance, whereas in conjunction with Leu-41 and Tyr-215, Trp-210 contributed to high-level resistance (50% inhibitory concentration of >1 microM). In HXB2-D, Trp-210 with Tyr-215 generated a virus with resistance comparable to one with Leu-41, Tyr-215, and Trp-210. Inserting Trp-210 into the genetic context of mutations at codons 41, 67, 70, and 215 further enhanced resistance from a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.44 microM to 8.41 microM. Molecular modeling of the tertiary structure of HIV-1 RT revealed that the distance between the side chains of Trp-210 (in helix alphaF) and Tyr-215 (in strand beta11a) approximated 4 A (1 A = 0.1 nm), sufficiently close to result in significant energetic interaction between these two aromatic side chains. In conclusion, Trp-210 contributes significantly to phenotypic AZT resistance of HIV-1 by augmenting resistance at least three- to sixfold in the context of two resistant genotypes, and its effect may require an interaction with an aromatic amino acid at position 215.

Antigen processing gene polymorphisms in HLA-DR2 multiple sclerosis

The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and alleles of the HLA class II genes indicates that at least one MS susceptibility gene is linked to the HLA class II region. However, the actual locus responsible has not been precisely identified. The recent cloning of new genes involved in antigen processing that map within the HLA class II region led us to investigate--using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique and sequence-specific oligonucleotide analysis--whether these genes might play a role in conferring susceptibility to MS. We studied large multifunctional protease (LMP) 2 and 7 and transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1 and 2 gene polymorphisms in 60 HLA-DR2 MS patients and 60 HLA-DR2 healthy subjects and found no specific or preferential RFLP patterns or coding sequence variants in the patient group. Our data do not support a role for these genes in MS susceptibility.

Incidence of zidovudine-resistant human immunodeficiency virus isolated from patients before, during, and after therapy

The zidovudine sensitivity of 372 isolates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) obtained from 237 patients before, during, and after treatment with zidovudine was examined. Virus resistant to > 0.5 micrograms/mL (1.87 microM) zidovudine was isolated from most patients (93%) after 36 months of therapy. Zidovudine-sensitive virus was isolated from 5 of 15 patients who had ended antiretroviral therapy but had previously shed resistant virus. The emergence of sensitive virus after end of therapy appeared to be influenced by both the duration of treatment and the time off drug. Patients with resistant virus tended to have low CD4 cell counts and HIV antigenemia at the commencement of therapy, suggesting that these two factors are important in the development of drug resistance.

Interaction between vasopressin and endothelin in renal papillary tubules: uncoupling following cell isolation and culture

1. In freshly prepared rat renal papillary tubules, endothelin-related peptides inhibited the vasopressin-stimulated accumulation of cAMP. No inhibition was observed when tubules were cultured overnight ex vivo. 2. Endothelin-1, endothelin-3 and sarafatoxin S6b had similar potencies as inhibitors of cAMP accumulation, indicating an endothelin (ETb) receptor. 3. These results demonstrate an interaction between ETb receptors and vasopressin receptors at the level of their signal transduction pathways, and show that this relationship is lost following cell culture.

Endothelin receptors in rat renal papilla with a high affinity for endothelin-3

A high density of binding sites for endothelin has been described in rat renal papilla but the nature and significance of papillary endothelin receptors have not yet been evaluated. In the current study, the effect of endothelin peptides on phosphatidylinositol turnover in papillary tubules has been investigated. Endothelin-1, endothelin-3 and the endothelin-related peptide sarafatoxin S6b all stimulated the accumulation of inositol phosphates in [3H]inositol-labelled papillary tubule preparations. However, at these papillary receptors endothelin-3 was more potent than endothelin-1. In other tissues, endothelin-1 is more potent than endothelin-3 at endothelin receptors coupled to phosphatidylinositol turnover. The EC50 value for endothelin-3 expressed as the negative logarithm was 9.3 +/- 0.13 compared with 8.42 +/- 0.11 for endothelin-1 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 5 in each case, P less than 0.01). The affinity of sarafatoxin S6b was similar to that for endothelin-3 (9.2 +/- 0.15, n = 3). These findings raise the possibility of a direct tubular function of endothelin and suggest that endothelin-3 rather than endothelin-1 may be the natural agonist for these papillary receptors.

Culturing rat neonatal myocytes causes changes in the phosphatidylinositol turnover pathway

1. Cultured neonatal myocytes are commonly used as a model system for the study of cardiac phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. 2. In neonatal myocytes stimulation with noradrenaline causes the release of the Ca2(+)-releasing compound inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and the generation of the Ca2(+)-regulatory compound inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. 3. Addition of noradrenaline to intact, neonatal rat hearts stimulates the release of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, but not inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. 4. These findings show that the isolation and culture of the neonatal myocyte causes changes in the PI turnover pathway so that it becomes similar to that described in other cell types and different from that in intact myocardial tissue. 5. The neonatal myocyte is not a useful model for the study of cardiac PI turnover.

Decreased in vitro susceptibility to zidovudine of HIV isolates obtained from patients with AIDS

This study tested isolates of human immunodeficiency virus, obtained before and after zidovudine therapy from 10 patients, for susceptibility to the drug in vitro. The isolates collected after therapy were less susceptible to zidovudine as assessed by replication in MT-2 cells and production of reverse transcriptase activity by infected mononuclear leucocytes in the presence of the drug. Furthermore, pretherapy isolates were sensitive to a range of zidovudine concentrations when 100% inhibition was used as the end point. The loss of zidovudine susceptibility did not correlate with any clinical or virologic consequences in this small group of patients.

Purification and biochemical characterization of hepatic arylamine N-acetyltransferase from rapid and slow acetylator mice: identity with arylhydroxamic acid N,O-acyltransferase and N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase

An inbred mouse model for the human N-acetylation polymorphism has been used to investigate the biochemical basis for the arylamine N-acetylation polymorphism and the relationship between the cytosolic enzymes arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT), arylhydroxamic acid N,O-acyltransferase, and N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase. Biochemical studies of partially purified NAT from rapid and slow acetylator mice revealed identical molecular weights of 31,500, activation energies of 21,000 cal/mol, equivalent affinities for acetyl coenzyme A, broad pH optima, the presence of an active site sulfhydryl group, and similar behavior during purification with anion exchange, gel filtration, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The enzymes differed in inhibition by hydrogen peroxide and dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). These observations taken in conjunction with previous investigations indicate that the rapid and slow mouse NAT enzymes are isozymes with minimal structural differences. NATs from rapid and slow acetylator mice were purified more than 10,000-fold by the following sequence of methods: homogenization and fractional centrifugation, protamine sulfate precipitation, and chromatography on DEAE-Trisacryl M, Sephadex G-100, Amethopterin-AH-Sepharose 4B, butyl agarose, and Sephacryl S-200, with a 15-25% recovery. NAT from B6 mice was purified to greater than 95% purity, as judged by silver staining of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Although only NAT appeared to be subject to a genetic polymorphism as evidenced by N-acetylation activities in liver cytosol, the purified NAT protein possessed arylhydroxamic acid N,O-acyltransferase, N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase, and NAT activities. Thus, the cytosolic N-acetyltransferase of mouse liver may catalyze N-, O-, and N,O-acetyltransfer reactions through a common acetylated intermediate of a single protein.

Comparison of core antigen (p24) assay and reverse transcriptase activity for detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication

This report compares two assay systems for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in peripheral blood leukocyte cultures. A commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay detected core antigen (p24) in 80% of cell cultures from HIV-seropositive individuals, whereas 67% of the cell cultures produced detectable levels of reverse transcriptase activity. There were clearly three patterns of reverse transcriptase activity produced, two of which may evade detection without regular sampling and maintaining cell cultures for more than 4 weeks. Once established, core antigen levels remained high so that cell cultures could be confidently monitored by an intermittent screening regimen.

Trauma center and the OR. A cooperative approach to caring for the massively injured

Communication must be established between the operating room and trauma center. At SNJRTC, perioperative nurses rotate through the trauma center and are part of nursing grand rounds on trauma patients. This system has improved interdepartmental relations, educational development, and most importantly, established a system in which patients have the best chance of survival as a result of the cooperative approach to the care of the massively injured.

The aging thyroid. Relationship between elevated serum thyrotropin level and thyroid antibodies in elderly patients

The relationship of thyroid antibodies and the serum level of thyrotropin in older adults (over age 60) was studied to determine whether thyroid antibodies were a good clue to thyroid failure in elderly persons. Of those with thyroid failure, evidenced by clearly elevated serum thyrotropin values (more than 10 microU/ml), 67 percent had positive antimicrosomal antibody levels, a prevalence much greater (p less than 0.001) than that among those of comparable age with normal thyroid function (18 percent). Nevertheless, one third (33 percent) had thyroid failure without positive antimicrosomal antibody levels; this was true whether or not a low serum thyroxine value was present. Furthermore, of those with positive antimicrosomal antibody levels, most (68 percent) did not have thyroid failure. Thus, although positive antimicrosomal antibody levels occurred more often in elderly patients with thyroid failure than in those with normal thyroid function, a sizable fraction of those with thyroid failure did not have positive antimicrosomal antibody levels. Hence, measurement of thyroid antimicrosomal antibodies is not a good test of early thyroid failure in older patients; direct demonstration of a clearly elevated serum thyrotropin value is a better approach.